02/03/2017
TIPS FOR PREVENTING MOLD AND MILDEW
It is our goal to maintain the highest quality living environment for our residents. To help achieve this goal, it is important to work together to minimize mold and mildew in your apartment.
You can help minimize mold and mildew growth in your apartment by taking the following actions:
• Open windows frequently when the weather is dry to allow an exchange of air and permit the introduction of sunlight throughout your apartment. It may help if you run the fan on your furnace to circulate fresh air throughout your apartment during these times.
• In damp or rainy weather conditions, keep windows and doors closed.
• When doors and windows are closed; it is NECESSARY to keep the air conditioning on "Auto" at all times. Maintain a general temperature of 72° F to 76° F in the summer and 68° F to 75° F in the winter.
• Clean and dust your apartment on a regular basis as required by your lease. Regular vacuuming, mopping and use of environmentally safe household cleaners are important to remove household dirt and debris that mold feeds on.
• Periodically clean and dry the walls and floors around the sink, bathtub, shower,toilets, windows, and patio doors using a common household disinfecting cleaner.
• On a regular basis, wipe down and dry areas where moisture sometimes accumulates, like countertops, windows, and windowsills.
• Use any pre-installed bathroom fan when bathing or showering and allow the fan to run until all excess moisture has vented from the bathroom.
• Use the exhaust fans in your kitchen when cooking or while the dishwashers is running and allow the fan to run until all excess moisture has vented from the kitchen.
• Limit houseplants to a reasonable number to keep the moisture level in your apartment at a minimum.
• Ensure that your clothes dryer vent is properly connected and clean the lint screen after every use.
• When washing clothes in warm or hot water, ensure that condensation does not build up within the washer and dryer closet; if condensation does accumulate, dry with a fan or towel.
• If you live in a humid climate, the use of a personal dehumidifier will help regulate humidity levels in your apartment and create a more comfortable environment.
• Thoroughly dry any spills on carpeting.
• Do not overfill closets or storage areas.
• Do not allow damp or moist stacks of clothes or other cloth or paper materials to lie in piles for an extended period of time.
• Immediately report to the management office any evidence of a water leak or excessive moisture in your apartment, storage room, garage, or any common areas.
• Immediately report to the management office any evidence of mold or mildew-like growth that cannot be removed by simply applying a common household cleaner and wiping the area. Also report any areas of mold or mildew that reappears despite regular cleaning.
• Immediately report to the management office any failure or malfunction with your heating, ventilation or air-conditioning system. Do not block or cover any of the heating, ventilation or air-conditioning ducts in your apartment.
• Immediately report to the management office any inoperable windows or doors.
• Immediately report to the management office any musty odors that you notice in your apartment.
Working together to prevent mold will ensure a comfortable living environment for you, your family, and guests.
